Bengaluru, 29 Jan

Karnataka IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge in Assembly alleged that Thawarchand Gehlot was receiving calls from Keshava Krupa, the RSS’ State Headquarters.

Speaking during a heated debate on the motion of thanks on Wednesday, Priyank defended Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, who had earlier claimed the Governor was acting as a “puppet” under instructions from Delhi.

The remarks triggered a furious response from the BJP. MLA Suresh Kumar accused the Congress government of making baseless allegations against the Governor, pointing out that in the past, Governors — including Hansraj Bhardwaj in 2011 — had tabled their speeches without reading them fully, following opposition requests. BJP MLA Sunil Kumar questioned whether the government was tapping Lok Bhavan phones, saying, “How can this be tolerated? This is the second time the law minister has implied it.”

"The Law Minister has repeatedly said that the Governor was getting a call from Delhi. How did they know? if they have records, let them place it in the House."

Priyank’s maintained that Patil’s comments were aimed solely at highlighting Central government interference, not confirming any phone tapping. However, BJP members insisted on clarification, with Sunil Kumar and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleging both Priyank and Patil could be involved in monitoring the Governor’s communications.

The row intensified when BJP members sarcastically claimed Congress officials were receiving calls from Italy in retaliation. Patil countered that neither the Governor nor the Centre had issued any clarification on alleged communications, asking, “What is the Home Ministry doing? Should they not at least issue a press note?”

The exchange led to chaotic scenes in the House, with opposition and treasury benches trading heated accusations over phone tapping. Ashoka warned, “Are our phones also being tapped? This is a phone tapping government.”

With tensions running high and no resolution in sight, Speaker UT Khader adjourned the House for lunch.